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Colorado Blue Columbine

Aquilegia coerulea

Details & Attributes


Plant Type(s) Perennial
Native to Arizona Yes!
Water Needs High
Sun Partial shade, shade
Pollinators Hummingbirds, butterflies
Has Spines No
Size
In relative feet, width by height
1-3' × 1-2'
Freeze Tolerant Yes
Flowering Season June-August
Flower Color Blue and white
Minimum Temperature Range -40 °F
Leaf Description Made of three leaflets (triternate)
Fruit A dry pod with many small black seeds
View on SEINet View SEINet Entry
Range Map View SEINet Range Map
Elevation Range 6000-10000 ft.
Description This is a northern Arizona species found in populations north of Flagstaff, on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and in the mountains along the AZ/NM border in Apache county. Extreme cold tolerance makes this a nice choice for high elevation gardens, as long as the plants receive reliable irrigation. This plant has received quite a bit of attention in the temperate horticulture world, even netting an "Award of Garden Merit" from the Royal Horticultural Society. Flowers are truly stunning with cloud white petals set against baby blue sepals, and elegant spurs. Include this plant in pollinator gardens for its hummingbird value.